Fast-rising New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor hopes the fickle Guyana weather doesn't rain on the Black Caps' World Cup parade when they face Ireland on Monday.

Torrential rain prevented New Zealand from training on Wednesday and it also stopped Taylor from testing his recovery from a hamstring strain which has sidelined him from the Super Eights.

"It could put us back a little bit if it was to rain and we were to share the points with Ireland," said Taylor.

"But if we can continue with the way we have been playing, I am sure we can overcome Ireland - if we do play."

Taylor admitted that he didn't know a lot about Cup debutants Ireland who stunned world cricket by knocking out Pakistan in the first round.

"It's obviously a team we don't play very often, if at all. We just have to get information from the games they have played in the tournament. Hopefully, that's enough to get us through," said the 23-year-old batsman.

New Zealand, after their all-win finish in the group stages and victories over the West Indies and Bangladesh in the Super Eights, have a 100-percent record in the competition and look well set for a place in the semi-finals.

"We are trying our hardest and just want to concentrate on Ireland. If we can do that, then come semi-final time, we will be ready to go," said Taylor, who termed his chances of playing on Monday as "70 percent."

Taylor, who made his mark with a brilliant 117 against Australia at Auckland in February, failed to score against England before notching an attractive 85 against Kenya.

He was then struck down by the injury.

"It's getting better slowly. It's been quite frustrating, but hopefully on Thursday, weather permitting, I can start sprinting and give it more of a test. Hopefully I will have a better idea of where I am.

"It's been quite furstrating. There was only a slight tear in the game against Kenya and it has taken two weeks to get over it. I ran at about 80 percent in Antigua. I am praying that I can start sprinting on Thursday."

Taylor hoped New Zealand can concentrate on their semi-final goal despite suffering a catalogue of injuries.

"There are always going to be injuries in the sport we are playing. You just have to get used to of it," he said.

New Zealand have lost fast bowler Daryl Tuffey and opener Lou Vincent through injuries, while pacemen Michael Mason and Mark Gillespie are also on the injury list.

Taylor said New Zealand was also looking at other teams' progress in the competition.

"We try not to, but I think it is just natural to do that (to follow other teams). When you are in a tournament situation, it's quite easy to look at how other people are playing and where you are on the points table."